Bad tattoo? Compete for fresh ink with a pic of your pooch

MANILA, Philippines - A portrait of a dog is seen tattooed at the back of a woman as hundreds of pet lovers join a Dog and Cat Expo held at a Convention Center in Pasay city, south of Manila on 28 June 2014. Now on its third year, the Pet Express Dog and Cat EXPO attracts thousands of dog and cat lovers of all ages as they hold this 2-day event, with various activities for the animals and their owners to participate in. The event aims to give the canine and feline community a venue to meet like-minded people and to learn more about animals and their welfare. (Photo by George Calvelo/NurPhoto) (Photo by NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images)
A contest by PetSmart is offering entrants the opportunity to replace tattoos they regret getting with portraits of their pets. Only five winners will be chosen. (George Calvelo / Getty Images)

Every tattoo has a story. Some are good; others may leave a nagging sense of regret.

Those tattoos that make you cringe are at the heart of a contest that the PetSmart superstore company launched this month.

Dubbed the "Redo Tattoo" contest, PetSmart is offering five winners a chance to replace tattoos they regret with a portrait of a pet.

The company's website already has a gallery of regrettable tattoos that includes badly drawn stars, an outline of the state of Oklahoma, Bad Bunny's heart logo and lots of kanji, the Japanese characters that many Americans have inked into their skin.

The company said it has partnered with Alium Tattoo Studio in Culver City to provide consultation and sessions with tattoo artists who will turn those regrettable images into fresh ink of beloved furry friends.

Don't live in Los Angeles? No problem. The company says it will also provide winners with travel and a two-night hotel stay in L.A.

The contest, which is open to U.S. residents 18 and older , is part of PetSmart's publicity campaign for a new rewards program. Entries must be received by April 30 and will be judged on creativity, originality and the effect the replacement tattoo will have on the person.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.